Marine Weather and Tide Forecast for Darwin, CA

DISCUSSION
A powerful upper trough will move from the Pacific Northwest across the Northern and Central Rockies through tonight. As this feature shifts north and east of the region, it will bring a one- two punch of gusty winds. Breezy southwesterly winds have already taken shape across much of the region, and as a cold front surges south, gusty northerly winds will ensue this evening into early tomorrow morning. While winds head of the front will be quite breezy, the strongest winds will occur in the wake of it. Ensemble probabilities of 35-45 mph wind gusts range from 40-70% areawide, with the greatest probabilities confined to the higher terrain and the Colorado River Valley. In fact, given the favorable wind direction, the Colorado River Valley will likely see some of the stronger winds in this event. Areas around Bullhead City and Laughlin have around a 40-60% chance of gusts in the 50-60 mph range late tonight into early Friday. However, winds of this magnitude should be rather localized and short lived. These enhanced winds will lead to areas of blowing dust, which may result in reduced visibilities and degraded air quality.
Additionally, area lakes will see increased wave action and hazardous boating conditions, especially on Lakes Mead, Mohave and Havasu. Winds will improve for most areas by Friday afternoon and evening, however the Colorado River Valley will remain breezy into the weekend with the favorable northerly direction.

A shot of cooler air will spill into the Desert Southwest in the wake of the cold front, but this looks to be short lived. A broad upper ridge will result in warming temperatures and lighter winds over the weekend. This will allow daytime highs to rise back above normal Sunday into Monday. This ridge will largely be reinforced by a deepening cutoff low set to meander off the California coast.

Medium to long range ensembles are in generally good agreement with the progression of the cutoff low, although it has trended slower over the last few days. As this feature eventual works into the Southwestern U.S. mid next week, it will induce a broad but strong southwesterly flow. This will likely result in periods of breezy to windy conditions during the coming week, though confidence on timing and or intensity of any shortwave impulses remains too low to pin down any specific timeframe. Eventually this feature is likely to migrate into the Western U.S. bringing cooler conditions and potential some precipitation.

AVIATION
For Harry Reid
For the 06Z Forecast Package
An incoming front will cause a wind shift to the north northwest around 06Z. Winds will intensify through the night, with gusts as high as 40 knots possible. Northerly winds will gradually decrease on Friday morning and afternoon, falling to less than 10 knots after sunset on Friday evening. Mid and high clouds will clear out behind the front and no precipitation is expected.

For the rest of southern Nevada, northwest Arizona and southeast California
For the 06Z Forecast Package
An incoming front will cause a wind shift from the southwest to the north overnight, reaching the Las Vegas Valley around 06Z, the Colorado River Valley between 08Z and 10Z, and KDAG between 09Z and 11Z. Widespread gusts between 30 and 40 knots are expected behind the front. A few gusts may approach 50 knots in the Colorado River Valley near KIFP in the morning and early afternoon. Winds will remain gusty out of the north through Friday, but gradually decrease in intensity in the afternoon and evening. While winds should fall to less than 10 knots at most locations by Friday evening, gusty northerly winds between 25 and 35 knots will persist in the Colorado River Valley through Friday night. Mid and high clouds will clear out behind the front.

SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT
Spotters are encouraged to report any significant weather or impacts according to standard operating procedures.